Bihar: JD-U announce candidates for Council polls, Nishant Kumar given ticket
Patna, June 5
Janata Dal on Friday released its list of candidates for the 2026 biennial elections and by-elections to the Bihar Legislative Council.
The names were announced through an official communication issued by the party and signed by its state president, Umesh Singh Kushwaha.
For the biennial elections to three Legislative Council seats, the party has nominated Nishant Kumar from Patna district, Bharti Mehta from Madhubani, Shivani Devi Prajapati from West Champaran, and Lalan Prasad.
Nishant Kumar is currently serving as the Health Minister of Bihar and belongs to the Backward Class community. His father, Nitish Kumar, served as the Chief Minister of Bihar for more than two decades and is currently a Member of the Rajya Sabha.
Bharti Mehta presently holds the positions of JD(U) State President of the Women's Wing and party spokesperson. Hailing from Madhubani district, she represents the Extremely Backward Class (EBC) community. She has also served as the Chairperson of the Bihar Sanskrit Shiksha Board.
Shivani Devi Prajapati, a native of West Champaran, also represents the EBC community. She has served as the party's State Secretary and as the District Council Chairperson of Bettiah. She is widely regarded as an effective organisational leader and has played a significant role in strengthening the party's grassroots network.
Lalan Prasad has been associated with party leader Nitish Kumar since the days of the Samata Party and has held various organisational positions over the years. He belongs to Sheikhpura district and represents the EBC community.
According to the party, the selection of candidates reflects an effort to maintain a balance between different social groups and regions of the state.
The announcement comes as JD(U) continues its organisational activities ahead of upcoming electoral contests in Bihar, with the party emphasising broader representation in its candidate selection process.
The official list also covers the party's nominations for the 2026 Bihar Legislative Council biennial elections and by-elections, with further electoral processes to proceed according to the schedule notified by the election authorities.
The election for the 10 seats of the Bihar Legislative Council will be held on June 18.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Nishant Kumar is a smart choice. Being the health minister already gives him visibility, and his father's legacy doesn't hurt either. But let's see if he can deliver results beyond the family name. 🤔
Good to see women like Bharti Mehta and Shivani Devi getting opportunities. Leadership needs to be inclusive. Hope the party focuses on actual issues — education, health, jobs — rather than just social arithmetic.
Another dynastic candidate in Nishant Kumar. Yes, he is the health minister, but let's be honest — his father's name opened doors. Bihar needs fresh faces with merit, not just political families continuing the legacy.
Shabash! JD-U is trying to balance caste equations. EBCs and Backwards together make a strong vote bank. But I hope these council members actually work for the people and don't just sit in the house doing nothing. 🙏
Bharti Mehta and Shivani Devi — two strong women from backward communities. This is a good step for women's representation in Bihar politics. More power to them. Let's hope they bring real change at the grassroots level.
Lalan Prasad has been with Nitish ji since the Samata Party days.
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